Tamryn, Danielle, please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
D: I have had the amazing opportunity to work in costume design on TV shows and movies. Such as law and order SVU and Gotham. As much as I have an artistic love for the TV and Film industry, I wanted a way to keep up with my passion of costume design but be involved in the community my family has grown to love. When I was younger, I wish I knew all the other aspects that go into making a production. The actors and actresses are what everyone sees, but it’s what happens behind the stage that is also a great asset to the entire performance. Giving the children of downtown NYC a chance to experience just that is what excites me about SpotLightKids NY. It has given me a chance to continue my artistic passion as well as be in a community that is my home.
T: I started my career in the business of Fashion. Receiving a BS in Fashion Merchandising. After working 18+ years in the fashion industry, working for major retailers such as Victoria Secret and Ralph Lauren, I started to teach at a local university. I enjoyed giving back to young students and sharing in my experiences and knowledge of an industry that I loved. After starting my own family, I realized I wanted to do something that kept me connected to my community as well as giving back in some way. I have had the opportunity to share this experience, of starting Spotlight Kids NY, with Danielle, who has the theater, film background, and I’m able to support the team in all the aspects of running the business. It's exciting to be in an environment, where everyone is enthusiastic for the kids and giving them the tools, allowing them to be creative and own their characters. SLK is truly a place where kids can be who they want to be, and have a place to discover a new side to theater.
How did the idea to open Spotlight Kids NY conceive? Where were you before this?
To be honest, we were inspired by our own children. Both of our daughters are artistic and theatrical. Danielle has made the commitment in the past of bringing her daughter, who was five at the time, to various venues around Manhattan all inconveniently located. When I started researching theater studios for my young daughter, I realized Danielle was right. There are very few downtown and none in Tribeca. We decided to start Spotlightkids NY to bring theater to our youngest New Yorkers. Many of the great children based theater companies are either uptown or midtown. Why not downtown? It’s the perfect place. As there are so many families with children and tons of activities. Very few focused on theater, so we decided why not. Let’s do it.
What was your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge like any new business, is getting the community aware of who we are, and that we are available. Just starting out, we have been participating in street fairs, participating in downtown community blogs, social media. We have even hit the streets, handing out flyers and posting in stores and schools within BPC, FIDI, Tribeca, so that families are aware that there is a children’s afterschool theater class available in our community. We are willing to participate wherever we can, so that parents, kids, will know who we are, and will be excited to join Spotlight kids NY theater studio.
What is the ideal age group for your classes?
We want to be aware of what children want and what parents want for their children. We have realized that the best age group is 3 - 10. This is the age, where many of these children have had the opportunity to try different activities offered downtown. Whether singing, dancing, art, music, they can still have a chance to express all those talents, but in one setting. At Spotlightkids NY, we encourage the students, to participate in all aspects of what happens on and behind the stage. From designing and making their costumes, crafting props, and of course, for learning their lines and building on their characters through movements and expressions; We can give a wide range of kids a chance to participate in a theatrical performance in a small way or a big way, they choose who they want to be.
How are classes structured? What aspects of theater do you cover in your classes?
The class is structured with students ages 3 - 4 or 4 - 5 or 5 - 10, and we are able to separate the class into two groups by age. Typically, the older kids will be cast into larger roles, and the younger kids are cast into smaller roles, but having the opportunity to participate in multiple roles.
Almost all students are cast with their top choice so that they can truly own their character and be excited about who they are in the show. They design and make their own costumes. As well, as craft props. It's amazing when a child has ownership of all aspects of the theater production, they truly are excited to learn and participate.
Do you’ll have recitals? Where do they take place?
One of our big aspects of the semester is gearing these students up for the recital. We start the first class, letting all students know that they will be on an actual stage, performing for family and friends. This keeps them engaged that there is an end result to this class. We have partnered with Soho Playhouse located on Vandam Street, Soho, NYC. They have a great space that allows us to work with the kids on stage and give us the flexibility we need to work around young children’s schedules. They have been a great asset to believing in what we are doing, giving the youngest New Yorkers a chance to perform, not in a classroom, but in a real theater, on a real stage.
Does Spotlight Kids NY host birthday parties? If yes, what themes do you cover?
Initially, we hadn’t thought about it but we have received so many inquiries for birthday parties, as families are looking for creative ways to celebrate their children’s birthdays. So coming this January, we will in fact offer birthday parties on Saturday and Sundays. We will offer packages with pre-set themes, or a parent can create their own theme, based on a child’s interest. We are excited to give the community what they need and are asking for.
How do you think theater helps children grow?
Some schools have eliminated theater or have provided low funding for drama/theater classes within the schools, or they are just for the upper divisions. Creativity starts at a young age, and we wanted to help young children continue to foster that. Theater gives kids confidence, a chance to express themselves in a different way and also gives a child a chance to learn from others. We have some students who may have a harder time performing, but they are guided by confidence-building exercises. We want each child to have ownership of their characters, feel proud of their performance.
What advice would you give to parents who would like to pursue their kids' love for drama?
The one thing most kids do most often is dress up. Dress up at birthday parties, Halloween, imaginative play is how most young children start playing. Pretending to be a superhero, or acting out a story they have read in school. Taking that imagination and bringing it to life, through their eyes.
We are giving the children the chance to be a character they want, to make their costumes, make the props, and participate in the storytelling of the performance. We, at Spotlightkids NY, want the children to participate in all aspects of what happens in the theater. FOR KIDS, BY KIDS. This creates confidence and enthusiasm in something they are all proud of, because it came from their imagination, we just helped it come to life.
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